ROUND 6 of the Victorian Netball League (VNL) saw North-East Blaze get back onto the winner’s list with City West Falcons extending their winning streak. After suffering a loss last week, Melbourne University Lightning also registered another win against the Peninsula Waves.

Hawks Netball (54) defeated Ariels (45)

It was neck and neck up to half-time with both sides going into the break with 24 goals apiece. The goals ebbed and flowed throughout the game but the Hawks built into the game credit to some classy work through the midcourt with Lauren Bennett and Lillian Sullivan finding space and executing their passes into the goal circle. Shae Gee found the net with ease slotting 36 goals from 40 attempts at 90 percent. For the Ariels Beth Wilson’s range was slightly off not finding the goals as easily as she usually does travelling at 59 percent for the game. But goal attack Stacey Gannon picked up the load with 24 goals from 31 attempts.

Boroondara Express (44) defeated by Geelong Cougars (63)

The Geelong Cougars flexed their muscles with a convincing win over Boroondara Express who simply could not keep up with the intensity across the court. The Cougars consistently added scoreboard pressure and maintained their attacking style throughout the course of the game. Geelong shared the scoring around with Julia Woolley, Ruby Horton and Bridgette Furphy making their presence felt on the scoreboard. Horton top scored for both sides with 33 goals from 40 attempts, while Woolley showed her versatility to move between goal attack, goal shooter and wing attack. Kaitlyn Sheringham was impressive through the midcourt using her netball skills to release precision passes into the circle. Express had some good moments of play with Clare Vearing finding good space in the goal circle to finish with 30 goals. Caitlyn Degaris was also solid in defence applying hands over pressure.

Melbourne University Lightning (46) defeated Peninsula Waves (40)

Melbourne University Lightning hustled hard throughout the game to win the loose ball and make the most of their opportunities with ball in hand. They gradually extended their lead and worked hard to maintain possession especially through the midcourt. With only their second win of the season the Lightning looked more settled and confident in their system letting the ball go with both shooters willing to turn and score. Goal attack Mikaela Vaughan was the most prolific for the Lightning nailing 24 goals, while the work of midcouters Freya Langston and Maddison Ridley was good creating space in the attacking third. Gabrielle Dwyer was the most accurate shooter for the Waves converting 23 of her 29 attempts at 80 percent. The defensive effort of Mardi Cunningham and Tara Cecil was constant but not enough to quell the influence of the Lightning goalers.

City West Falcons (65) defeated Southern Saints (49)

The City West Falcons claimed their sixth straight win with a convincing win over the Saints, pushing out their lead at the top of the ladder. After a slow start down by five goals at quarter time the Falcons kicked into gear and looked like a well-oiled machine with good connections down the court. Tharjini Sivalingam put on an absolute masterclass scoring a whopping 62 goals for the game. She was a workhorse in attack creating space in the goal circle and holding her space to be within her shooting range. Zoe Davies and Sarah Szczykulski were impressive down in defence confusing the space and working hard to stop the easy transition down court for the Saints. Kirsty Clark and Lyshae Barry had their work cut out for them down in defence and tried hard throughout the match but it was to no avail unable to limit the scoring power of the Falcons. In the Saints goal circle Samantha Silvester put up her fair share of shots with 24 for the game while her shooting partner, Chloe Wilson registered 12 goals.

North-East Blaze (60) defeated Casey Demons (50)

After suffering their first loss of the season last week the North-East Blaze jumped back onto the winner’s list with a 10 goal victory over Casey. Blaze came out hot leading at each change showcasing their dominance with ball in hand down the court. They transitioned well credit to their precision passes with the battle between Blaze’s Ella Bayliss and Demi Woodlock creating plenty of excitement. Elizabeth Nicol was impressive under the post once again, scoring 47 goals and her 287th goal for the year highlighting the dominant season she is having so far. Nicol proved to be a handful for Taya Rawson and Karli Foster who could not stop her in the goal circle. Emma Ryde was the major scorer for the Demons finishing with 35 goals for the game.